Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 125,830 complaints for HONDA
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Rear window wiper failed to operate when transmission put in reverse. Should have operated automatically. Rear window wiper failed to respond to switch position when selected to on. Scan tool shows body control module receiving switch input but no output to wiper motor. Rear window washer comes on without switch being moved to on position when car is turned on and will not turn off unless car is t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Vehicle turns off unexpectantly at red lights/intersections when auto idle engages and will not restart automatically. It takes 1 to 2 minutes for the vehicle to restart. There is no predicting when the issue occurs. Causes vehicle to be immobile in busy and congested intersections which results in safety issues to us and oncoming traffic. There is a potential for a head on or T-bone collision... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
This ongoing problem, not related to an accident or single incident. The center console screen will jump around / glitch / freeze without being touched. These “ghost touches” go in and out of apps, make calls, switch between audio sources , many other unprompted things. This issue renders the center console screen almost unusable and downright unsafe to use. This is now the second screen in th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
This ongoing problem, not related to an accident or single incident. The center console screen will jump around / glitch / freeze without being touched. These “ghost touches” go in and out of apps, make calls, switch between audio sources , many other unprompted things. This issue renders the center console screen almost unusable and downright unsafe to use. This is now the second screen in th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
My Ac went out and upon taking it to the dealership, it was determined that my clutch and coil are melted into my compressor. They ordered the part but there were over 1,000 other dealerships that put in an order for the same part so I was told it could take over two months to get this sort in. They also said this was highly abnormal and it normal wear and tear so it definitely feels like a malfun... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
I started the car, put it in reverse, and started backing out of the driveway (car was moving fine). When I went to turn the wheel, it was locked. I could not steer. I hit the brakes, tried the wheel more (wouldn't move), so I put the car in park. Still couldn't move the wheel, so I turned the car off and started it again. The wheel worked / moved fine after that.
HONDA
CIVIC TYPE R
(2023) - STEERING
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Sticky steering at highway speeds
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I had a connecting rod bearing failure. Thjs failure is exactly the same as the issue being investigated by NHTSA currently for modek year 2020 Honda Pilots. My car had 93k miles on it at the time of failure although I complained to my dealer as far back as September 2022 of hearing engine knock occasionally. The repair cost me $8700 not to mention the loss of my car for 10 days. The incident happ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
My car currently has displayed all lights on panel. Went to auto zone to have codes read, shows powertrain-description is code PO299 suggests turbocharger assembly. Safety is put at risk because all of the safety features are now disabled.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
My 2022 Honda Pilot developed an intermittent failure of the multipurpose forward camera used by the Honda Sensing system. Multiple dashboard warnings appeared simultaneously, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Auto High Beam, Blind Spot Information, and a Brake System warning. The vehicle’s normal ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
My 2022 Honda Pilot developed an intermittent failure of the multipurpose forward camera used by the Honda Sensing system. Multiple dashboard warnings appeared simultaneously, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Auto High Beam, Blind Spot Information, and a Brake System warning. The vehicle’s normal ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
My 2022 Honda Pilot developed an intermittent failure of the multipurpose forward camera used by the Honda Sensing system. Multiple dashboard warnings appeared simultaneously, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Auto High Beam, Blind Spot Information, and a Brake System warning. The vehicle’s normal ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When I drive, whether at low or highway speeds, the steering sticks in place and needs to be yanked lightly to correct it. This behavior is described by NHTSA Campaign 24V-744, but Honda says that my VIN is not covered. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I have to force corr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
My parked 2020 Honda Accord had a spontaneous side curtain airbag deployment with the engine off, which matches the known humidity/short-circuit sensor defects that are currently under Federal safety recall. The deployment caused damage to the interior of my car, as well! There have been no warnings, indications or issues before. There was no collision or impact of any sort. The car will not star... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
I was driving at 70mph on the highway when the dashboard started to display a series of problem notifications (Brake Problem, Hill Start Problem, Power Steering Problem…, etc.). The vehicle also went into “limp mode” and slowed down to 35-40mph max. This was very dangerous given the other traffic going 70+ mph on a very busy highway. Thankfully, we were able to pull over to the shoulder a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The OEM audio/navigation system in my 2016 Honda Accord is emitting extremely loud static from all speakers after 10 minutes of the engine on. This occurs even when the audio system is turned off. It is extremely distracting while driving as there is no way to make it stop. I had the Honda dealership look at it today, they just say it is an internal problem. The internet and YouTube is full of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The OEM audio/navigation system in my 2016 Honda Accord is emitting extremely loud static from all speakers after 10 minutes of the engine on. This occurs even when the audio system is turned off. It is extremely distracting while driving as there is no way to make it stop. I had the Honda dealership look at it today, they just say it is an internal problem. The internet and YouTube is full of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
There’s a loud clicking noise that I was told had something to do with the axle. Honda said they can’t do anything because it doesn’t affect the car driving. They’ve noticed the sound before too when I dropped it off for service. This can be a safety hazard especially after time if not replaced. Especially since I’ve only had my car for 1 year.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
The head gasket is leaking coolant into cylinder #2. The car has misfired and has not been operable. The problem has been confirmed and diagnosed through the dealer. there were no prior warning lights to the issue until the car completely became inoperable from one day to the next.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Faulty transmission. Lags when you start to drive. Constant delay.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel was sticky and failed to return to the center. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected and determined that no repair was needed despite the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
We recently purchased a 2026 Honda CRV LX and the rear window has shattered without cause twice. The dealership has replaced it twice, but now says they’re closing the report and calling it an environmental issue. We have two other brand new cars on our property with no environmental issues. They are refusing to continue to keep this case open until resolved. If it should happen again, we are go... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
My 2016 Honda Civic EX-T intermittently experiences a sticky/notchy steering condition, particularly while driving at highway speeds. When making small steering corrections around the straight-ahead/center position, the steering wheel sometimes resists movement and feels as though it is sticking or binding. Additional steering effort is then required to overcome the resistance, after which the ste... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning left, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound and became difficult to turn the steering wheel back to center. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 24-011 (that addressed a sticky steering, increased steering effort, or clicking noises caused by excess... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
On XXX, about 8:30 a.m., in clear, sunny weather, I was turning my 2024 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid into a marked parking space. My foot was off the accelerator; I applied light brake pressure while the vehicle moved under 5 mph. Without warning, it suddenly and spontaneously accelerated at high speed. Within seconds it drove over a concrete parking stop, traveled through dense landscaping, and coll... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 27, 2026
On XXX, about 8:30 a.m., in clear, sunny weather, I was turning my 2024 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid into a marked parking space. My foot was off the accelerator; I applied light brake pressure while the vehicle moved under 5 mph. Without warning, it suddenly and spontaneously accelerated at high speed. Within seconds it drove over a concrete parking stop, traveled through dense landscaping, and coll... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 27, 2026
On XXX, about 8:30 a.m., in clear, sunny weather, I was turning my 2024 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid into a marked parking space. My foot was off the accelerator; I applied light brake pressure while the vehicle moved under 5 mph. Without warning, it suddenly and spontaneously accelerated at high speed. Within seconds it drove over a concrete parking stop, traveled through dense landscaping, and coll... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletins: 19-032 and 19-037. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel injector failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while sitting at a traffic light, with the Auto START/STOP feature engaged, the vehicle completely shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The failure was a recurring failure. The battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
On 05/01/2026 the battery failed and the car needed to be jumped and immediately driven to a dealership for battery replacement. The battery would not hold a charge. On 8/15/2026 the A/C went out and upon a diagnostic service appointment at the dealership on 8/17/2026 it was determined that the compressor suffered a catastrophic failure and melted.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
On 05/01/2026 the battery failed and the car needed to be jumped and immediately driven to a dealership for battery replacement. The battery would not hold a charge. On 8/15/2026 the A/C went out and upon a diagnostic service appointment at the dealership on 8/17/2026 it was determined that the compressor suffered a catastrophic failure and melted.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2022 Honda Accord. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 26,000; however, three days after retrieving a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 217,000.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Airbags failed to deploy! Fortunately, this was a rather minor accident and nobody was injured, but I found out that the system had tried to deploy the airbags and failed. I don't feel like this vehicle is safe to drive anymore.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned and is it available for inspection upon request? The Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor seized completely, causing the A/C compressor clutch to overheat and melt. Yes, the vehicle and the failed components are available for inspection upon request.2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A completely seized A/C compressor pulley... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Honda Insight. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor mounts had failed and needed to be replaced. The motor mounts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel momentarily became difficult to turn, and the steering wheel was sticking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test determined that the electronic power steering unit was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was noti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number Associated: 22V430000 (Honda Codes AOU/AOT) My 2019 Honda Ridgeline is registered in Maine (a designated salt-belt state) and has a completely rusted-through rear subframe. The local authorized Honda dealership inspected the vehicle and officially grounded it, stating it is fundamentally unsafe to drive and cannot pass Maine State Inspection due to structural failure a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Infotainment system recieving phantom / ghost touches. Screen selects menu items on its own, plays, pauses music, causes major distraction and disruption. Screen flashes when changing menus and can pull attention from the road. Safety issue!
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
When turning the vehicle, a clicking noise can be heard, intermittently. I have reported this to the dealership, they tell me they heard nothing. The car now has 20,000 miles and will need a tire rotation soon, I will then report it again. It appears the cv joint is the problem with many of these 2024 Honda Prologues. I’ve read, that a broken cv joint could cause loss of power, broken brake li... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
When turning the vehicle, a clicking noise can be heard, intermittently. I have reported this to the dealership, they tell me they heard nothing. The car now has 20,000 miles and will need a tire rotation soon, I will then report it again. It appears the cv joint is the problem with many of these 2024 Honda Prologues. I’ve read, that a broken cv joint could cause loss of power, broken brake li... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The car suddenly stopped speeding up on the highway, and the check engine light began to flash. There were no warning signs before this occurred. I was driving with my kids when I had to think and move quickly off the highway because there were other cars behind us. The car would only roll because it wouldn’t speed up. Yesterday, on August 17, the car was towed to a Honda dealership, where they... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
the seatbelt alarm on the passenger side middle row seat keeps beeping and flashing the seatbelt warning despite the passenger being bucked in. The dealer says the belt is covered under warrant but the buckle is not. The sensor in the buckle is supposedly the issue. Its a system... Am I supposed to tie my kid in with just the strap? The constant alarming while driving is a distraction. Failure t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
the seatbelt alarm on the passenger side middle row seat keeps beeping and flashing the seatbelt warning despite the passenger being bucked in. The dealer says the belt is covered under warrant but the buckle is not. The sensor in the buckle is supposedly the issue. Its a system... Am I supposed to tie my kid in with just the strap? The constant alarming while driving is a distraction. Failure t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
I am the owner of a 2020 Honda CR-V equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle is experiencing a severe and dangerous engine oil dilution manufacturing defect where unburnt gasoline enters the oil pan. This is an active driving hazard. After a fresh oil change meant to remediate the issue, the oil level rapidly rose back up past the top dipstick indicator within less than 200 miles of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
I am the owner of a 2020 Honda CR-V equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle is experiencing a severe and dangerous engine oil dilution manufacturing defect where unburnt gasoline enters the oil pan. This is an active driving hazard. After a fresh oil change meant to remediate the issue, the oil level rapidly rose back up past the top dipstick indicator within less than 200 miles of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
I have a sticky steering wheel while driving a freeway speeds. I have notice that others have reported this same problem. 150000 miles
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
When the engine is hot, the car hesitates to start for a couple seconds. Occurs on really hot days especially after stopping and starting the engine such as after getting gas or on idle stop at a redlight. The motor starter has been replaced by Honda to a new one but the issue can re-occur as the part being replaced is the same with the same build and will likely fail again in hot conditions.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
When the engine is hot, the car hesitates to start for a couple seconds. Occurs on really hot days especially after stopping and starting the engine such as after getting gas or on idle stop at a redlight. The motor starter has been replaced by Honda to a new one but the issue can re-occur as the part being replaced is the same with the same build and will likely fail again in hot conditions.